Astin J's — Restaurant in Groton

Visited for the 10th time recently and am now ready to write a review.

Food: 4.5/5 — I’ve had the chicken sandwich, all types of tacos, wings, tenders, the burger, the Philly cheesesteak, the grilled cheese, Mac, fries and tots. The only menu items I’ve not had are the queso dip, soups, and poppers.

At one point I would have rated the birria tacos the best I’ve had in the area, but there is a place in downtown New London that has the best birria I’ve ever had, let alone in this area. The other tacos were good, but not great. All the chicken is really good and the one reason I still order from here. The chicken sandwich is the best in the area by far. The wings/tenders aren’t as good as Rod’s, but they’re pretty darn close and I often choose them solely for the convenience of location. But they’re excellent. I have noticed some inconsistency with the tenders, but overall I’ll still say they’re excellent.

The burger was extremely average. It surprises me so many reviews highlight it. Bun was soggy, the burger was bland. I’m not sure if this is supposed to be a smash burger or a pub burger, but it falls short for either style. Unfortunate, because the potential is there.

The grilled cheese was average…I’ve had better from different specialty grilled cheese food trucks that use a better mix of cheeses. My wife liked it enough, but in her words it’s “nothing to write home about.”

The Philly cheesesteak is a massive greasy mess, but good lord is it good. I’m pretty sure I fell asleep for an hour after eating it. No clue what’s in it, but man it gave me the itis and it it was very good. I would get it again if I was in the mood.

The fries and tots I can do with out. They are def frozen, which is unfortunate. I used to go to the Public House in OL, where the owner used to work, and where they made hand cut Gorgonzola fries that were some of the best fries I’ve ever had. I was expecting that at Astin Js, but understand the demand of making those fries to order is probably pretty taxing. Still unfortunate, because the fries and tots are pretty lackluster.

Atmosphere: 4/5 — not much to say here. This is a takeout place with “fancy fast food”. You can eat here if you want, but the atmosphere is a very basic borderline bodega type seating. I’ve eating in twice, taken out eight times. It’s fine. People are nice.

Service: 3/5 — this is my huge issue. I’d probably have logged 25 visits here, but 15 times I could not get them to answer the phone to place an order. Online ordering not an option. It’s 2023. Expecting all of your customers to drive to the location, order, and wait is not acceptable with how busy people are, especially during lunch hours. I understand this is a small operation, but there’s gotta be better ways to order food available. I will often try to get lunch in between lectures or classes and it’s impossible to get through on the phone to place a simple order for a chicken sandwich. When people and students ask how the food is, I’ve gotta say it’s great, but good luck placing an order if you’re not going to go there to order in person and wait. So that bothers me quite a bit. With how much business they get, it may be time to look at upping the staff to accommodate phone and online orders. Once again it’s 2023…need to adapt to the times.

As far as price and menu selection: the menu is good. Small menu is usually a good sign. Large menu = red flag. Would rather do a few things top notch than a lot of things with mediocrity. The prices are slightly high considering the quality of the food and service that you get, but it’s comparable enough I guess. Chicken is just not that expensive 🤷🏼‍♂️.

So, TL;DR the fried chicken here no matter how you have it is the true prize and the reason I continue to visit even though often, trying to place an order on the phone is literally impossible. Good luck, your...

Culinary Delight: Astin J, a family-owned restaurant nestled in Groton, CT, has garnered a reputation for its mouthwatering cuisine, with particular acclaim for its signature spicy chicken sandwich. However, the excellence doesn't stop there; patrons rave about the delectable flavors found across the entire menu. From savory appetizers to hearty entrees, Astin J delivers a culinary experience that leaves taste buds tingling with satisfaction.

Standout Dish - Spicy Chicken Sandwich: Astin J's spicy chicken sandwich has become the stuff of legend among locals and visitors alike. Combining perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken with just the right amount of heat and a medley of complementary toppings, this sandwich is a true culinary masterpiece. The balance of flavors and textures elevates it beyond the standard fare, earning it a well-deserved spot as a customer favorite.

Menu Variety: Beyond the famed spicy chicken sandwich, Astin J offers a diverse menu that caters to all palates. Whether you're craving classic comfort food, exploring international flavors, or seeking healthier options, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Each dish is crafted with care and attention to detail, ensuring a consistently exceptional dining experience with every visit.

Warm Hospitality: In addition to its delectable fare, Astin J is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. As a family-owned establishment, hospitality is at the heart of everything they do, with friendly staff who go above and beyond to make guests feel like part of the family. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you'll be greeted with a smile and treated to attentive service throughout your meal.

Community Favorite: Astin J isn't just a restaurant; it's a beloved local institution that holds a special place in the hearts of Groton residents. Beyond serving delicious food, Astin J contributes to the fabric of the community, providing a gathering place where friends and families come together to share good times and create lasting memories. Its role as a community hub only adds to the allure of this culinary gem.

Overall Experience: From the moment you step through the door, Astin J delights the senses and nourishes the soul with its exceptional cuisine, warm hospitality, and inviting ambiance. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely meal, Astin J delivers an unforgettable dining experience that keeps guests coming back for more.

In summary, Astin J in Groton, CT, stands out as a culinary gem offering a standout spicy chicken sandwich, a diverse menu, warm hospitality, and a beloved community atmosphere that keeps patrons returning time...

So I've been waiting to try this place out since I saw the ads and posts on FB. So I was headed to a normal spot I like to eat and reminded myself that they (Astin J's) are open. So hit a U turn and headed over.

Staff was very friendly, all sitting by the window as I walked in. I grabbed a menu and began to look over it with my son. He immediately saw the Mac&Cheese and knew what he wanted.

Went to counter and placed my order, ended up getting, 1 single, 1 double Burger,, Mac with poppers, 3 pc. Chicken Tender. I made one of the burgers a meal for 4$.

Total was 36.xx and tipped to make it even 40$

Food was made pretty quick, about 10 min, and as I walked back in it was headed to the front. Grabbed and left to eat at home.

My son instantly tried the Mac, and within 10 seconds the chicken was removed and the rest hit the garbage can. I've never seen him throw away anything Mac & Cheese related. So that was a complete shock. "Bland" was the adjective my son used to describe it. I was lucky I got him a small burger as well. The chicken he said was amazing. So there is a plus.

When it came to my food, I asked for Bacon on my burger, and to my dismay there wasn't any. So I called in to ask about it and was told it wasn't rung into the order, so I didn't pay for it.. which is ok.. but I asked for it. Lol. Willing to pay. Fries were good.. but with travel and food being in unvented take out containers, everything was soggy. And I only live 4 min away. Burger was ok, missing that crispy bacon, so my standards were set low. The Chicken tenders tho, we're great. Again only issue was the non vent containers that kind of ruined that crispy crunch.

So overall, I'd give a 3 out of 5. Order not taken correctly Take out containers are not the way to go My kid threw away Mac & Cheese (mind blown) Chicken with Southern Fried Amazing Portions were ok Pricing reasonable

I never like to put down local family own places. And this isn't what I'm attempting. With a little modification and some time, I believe this place could be somewhere I would visit every week or so. And I have not tried the entire menu yet, so we will be back to finish...